Crime, unemployment to headline PNP conference

JOB CREATION and the reduction of crime are likely to hold centre stage at the 63rd annual conference of the People's National Party (PNP), which gets under way tomorrow inside the National Arena.

Party chairman, Robert Pickersgill, has acknowledged that both continue to be major problems for the governing party. But, he said some progress has been made in terms of the strengthening of the local economy, a move likely to spark employment growth. He was speaking Monday at a press conference at the party's Old Hope Road headquarters, called to discuss plans for the upcoming conference.

According to Mr. Pickersgill, the conference was convened at a "historic moment both globally and nationally". He noted that the recent events in the United States "by all predictions, could result in a period of unprecedented military and economic consequences". These, he warned, could "significantly impact our major economic sectors and social programmes". The nation, he said must be prepared to face those challenges.

And while the Government is actively mapping strategies to deal with any fallout that could setback economic growth, Mr. Pickersgill said the movement in the price of oil on the world market was being closely monitored. Any major movement in oil prices could devastate the local economy.

With the expected economic fallout from last Tuesday's terrorist attacks in the United States, PNP general secretary, Maxine Henry-Wilson, defended the Government's decision to build the Net International Reserves (NIR) to more than US$1 billion.

According to her, there is enough foreign exchange to provide a cushion for the local economy, even if but for a few months.

"I think at this point in time we are being vindicated as we now have 19 weeks worth of foreign exchange and that will stand us in good stead as we anticipate the fallout that will occur. So I think that is a positive aspect of the Government's economic policy that needs to be brought to the fore," Mrs Henry-Wilson said. She also spoke at Monday's press conference.

The PNP will kick off its conference mindful of the fact that it is trailing the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in public opinion polls ahead of General Elections constitutionally due by the end of next year. The party hierarchy is confident it can close the gap.

"The thinking of the party is that we are able and capable and can make up any deficit. We go into the conference with absolute confidence in our workers," Mrs. Henry-Wilson said. PNP Vice-president, Dr. Peter Phillips, pointed out that the party had made up deficits in the past, and was banking on a "solid platform" on which to go to the public.

This year's conference will be held over four days instead of the usual three. The opening day has been dedicated Youth Day. The main agenda item this year will be an examination of the party's manifesto. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will be guest speaker while party president, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson will deliver the main address at Sunday's public session inside the National Arena.

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